Bill Daley was never a great fit inside the West Wing. He had an even rockier relationship with key Hill Democrats, especially Harry Reid, so the tears aren’t exactly flowing today — even though most White House staffers bear no personal animosity to Daley. (Here’s my initial story on the friction, including anger at Daley among junior White House staffers.) Seven quick observations, culled from White House staffers, former Obama administration officials and other Democrats, in the wake of Daley’s sudden departure: 1. Daley’s departure really did stun Obama, who didn’t have a successor immediately in mind (Apart from Lew,...

Reliving the Florida recount One of the most highly anticipated political telefilms being released next year is “Recount,” a fast-paced depiction of the behind-the-scenes drama that took place in Florida during the disputed 2000 Gore-Bush election. [snip] Earlier this year, the possibility was raised that this “Recount” might be swayed and history rewritten because writer Strong and executive producers Paula Weinstein and Sydney Pollack, as well as HBO Films President Colin Callender, are all Democratic supporters. [snip] “There have been many incarnations of the script,” the HBO representative said in response to questions about literary license taken in the film....